News Release

WARSAW — Are you interested in assisting Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in your community? If so, consider taking the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training course being offered in-person this fall at the Kosciusko County Extension Office.

The main objective of the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program is to train volunteers to assist Purdue Extension with home horticulture education in local communities.

Purdue Extension Master Gardeners receive training in horticulture to equip them to fulfill this educational role through volunteering in a variety of projects. The requirements for Purdue Extension Master Gardener certification include acceptance into the training through an application and screening process, payment of registration fee, completion of the Extension Master Gardener Basic Training, which includes passing the open-book final exam with a score of 70% or higher, and contributing at least 40 hours of volunteer service approved by the local Extension Master Gardener county coordinator within two years. Purdue Extension Master Gardeners are also required to complete at least 12 volunteer and six continuing education hours every year in order to stay active.

Some of the topics covered in this 14-week course include: plant science, vegetable production, lawn care and weed identification, insect identification and control, woody ornamentals, and many more. All classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kosciusko County Extension Office, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw. The course begins Aug. 15. and will run through Nov. 14.

The cost of the course is $180 per person or $240 per couple, which includes class materials, a soil test, program maintenance, a name tag (upon completion of your hours), a Purdue Extension Master Gardener manual, and reference materials. Applications are due to the Kosciusko County Extension Office by Friday, July 21. Space is limited. To receive an application or for additional information, contact Emily Kresca by sending an email to [email protected] or calling (574) 372-2340.